Lifeline: the education Fund
We have seven students from Ukraine, studying in the USA. Their faces and words of hope are below. With the support of This Child here, these students from Ukraine are seeking to reclaim their hope for a better future by coming to America. They have entered three schools: the University of New Mexico and Menaul High School in Albuquerque, NM (home to Route 66), and Rabun Gap Nacoochee High School in N.Georgia, both high schools were founded by the Presbyterian Church years ago. We picked the best and the brightest from our community of families displaced by the war in Ukraine and staff who work with them.
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My name is Yevheniia Mykhailova or just Jenya. I graduated from Menaul School as a member of the Class of 2025. I am going into my sophomore year at University of New Mexico upcoming Fall semester. I pursue a double major in Political Science and Psychology. I work as an assistant at a Child’s Garden Preschool (non-sectarian outreach program of the First Presbyterian Church of Albuquerque) sharing all my love with the children while deepening my knowledge in children psychology. I want to continue working with kids as it is a precious environment where you can contribute to raising and supporting young personalities. On the other side of my academic choice is Political Science major as a preparation for Law School. I am getting into volunteering for a New Mexico Immigration Law Center to contribute to their amazing mission to advance justice, equity, and human rights for low- income and vulnerable communities. By only making a small steps that are filled with determination, patience and tons of effort we make a difference in this world.
I love yoga, tennis, and golf as my free time activities. It helps me balancing my life, staying calm and peaceful. Namaste
Hi! I am Daria Butenko. In year 2025 I graduated from Menaul High School with several Honors for academic achievements and volunteering. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of New Mexico, class of 2029. I am excited to start this school year to continue exploring both of my fields of study: arts, in forms of dance, acting and singing, as well as international studies with concentrations in politics and global economics. In my plans for the near future is to work, study and focus on producing a song of my own, while also searching for volunteer and internship opportunities to explore my interest in legal field. I dream of working with my favorite singer, who produces songs that deeply touch my soul and easily become my favorite. However, my passion for politics and public service also inspire my desire to someday find my own way to provide for others and contribute to the fragile peace between nations. I am deepening my knowledge of both politics and arts so that I may create something beautiful while also serving a bigger goal of fighting for priceless human lives. Right now I prioritize learning and making some money to start putting those plans into action. As for my hobbies, I love dancing(mostly Hip-hop), making photoshoots with my friends and spending time with my cat. I enjoy writing poems and reading books when my mind is in the right place.
Sincerely,
Daria.
My name is Nazar Baranov, and I am from the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine, from an ordinary village near the border with the Kherson region. Unfortunately, my family and I had to move to Izmail, in the Odesa region, because our house was destroyed by a direct hit of a Russian shell on the roof. From an early age, I have been deeply interested in languages, IT, and computers. I’ve always dreamed of studying in the United States, because I believe that only here I will be able to truly change my future and receive a high-quality education in computer science and business. When I first heard about Menaul School, I didn’t just see it as another school, I saw it as a place of new beginnings, of hope, and of opportunity for my future! Menaul School is different from any school I have ever known. It’s not just about classes and grades , it's about a community! Here, teachers don’t simply teach, they inspire every single student. They’re always ready to help, not only during lessons, but anytime you need support, whether it’s academic help or simply someone to talk to. My goal is helping to shape futures, to build bridges between countries, and to give people the power to make a difference in the world.
My name is Kostia. Growing up in Ukraine and now studying in the United States has taught me to embrace every opportunity, work hard, and always look ahead. I am passionate about mathematics and hope to build my future in engineering. Along the way, I became a finalist in the UNMPNM Math Contest, earned the highest score on my AP Calculus exam, and now serve as an AP Calculus Teacher’s Assistant as a senior. Beyond academics, I have always loved sports, which undoubtedly shaped my character. I spent years playing tennis and now play football for my high school in the US as a wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. My goal is to achieve financial stability so I can provide the best life for my future family and give back to others just as people have supported me. My greatest dream is to use my engineering education to help rebuild Ukraine after the war and make a meaningful difference for my country.
I’m Daria Tsyhankova, currently a senior at Menaul School and I’m really excited to graduate and go to the University of New Mexico. Over the past two years I’ve explored different subjects and discovered my passion for AP Psychology, which I hope to connect with my future major and career. I believe that studying psychology will not only help me better understand myself and others but also allow me to support people who are going through difficult times and help them find joy in life again. I’ve also really enjoyed being a manager for the school’s American football and track and field teams, and I hope to continue this experience in college as well. Outside of school I enjoy going to the gym and practicing yoga, which help me stay focused on my goals and bring more balance to my life. In the future I hope to combine my dream career with traveling, as I believe that exploring the world while pursuing something I truly love can bring both personal growth and happiness.
My name is Danya, and I’m a senior at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, so this is my last year and I want to make the most of it. I’m also a senior prefect, which gives me the opportunity to support other students, take on responsibility, and be more involved in my school community. I’m really passionate about theater, storytelling, and lighting design, and I want to continue developing these interests in college. In the future, I hope to create immersive experiences that bring stories to life and eventually become a Disney Imagineer. I’m looking forward to college in the United States, where I can continue studying design, meet new people, and gain experience through internships and opportunities with different companies. I’m excited to see where my creativity, theater experience, and love for creating experiences take me.
I’m Veronika, and I’m a new student at Menaul school. I’m really excited about my classes and this year at school. I’m filled with joy to be here. I am a ballroom dancer and I would like to continue my dance career. In the future I want to connect my life with dancing, and I would be very happy to be a dance coach, teaching children and adults how to dance. My dream is to enroll in the psychology program at UNM. Moreover, I would like to travel around the world and visit new countries.